Guilty as charged. No excuses there. I am truly sorry for not updating the story for so long. _ But until September, there is nothing much I can do about it. Rushing two projects has drained all my energy everyday. So, I am very very thankful for your patience.

My special thanks for serenyty82 and finderlov. Your messages have stopped me from postponing to upload this chapter even longer. I should have been working today, but instead I found myself writing like crazy. Sorry I read your message a bit late. :)

And my thanks also go to everyone who has reviewed and followed and faved. You made me smile. :)

And I hope this chapter will make you smile too! (or maybe not. but hopefully the next one will. *wink)

Anyway, have a good day wherever you are.

Chapter 15. His Biggest Regret

Part 1. Beyond The Visible

It had been only a few weeks after I had moved in to Arata's apartment. That night, my boyfriend was waiting for me when I got back from an unsuccessful attempt to find a clue about a certain Diet member's side -and very likely, illegal- business. Arata shoved a crumpled paper to me as if it was a tarantula that would bite him with its poisonous venom.

A warning was written on that paper, not a very friendly one: "Tell your son's cute boyfriend: STOP digging while he can or his loved ones will pay the price."

The single sentence was screaming at me silently. Each letter was cut from magazines and newspapers, forming a colorful death threat that I was currently looking at. Threat like this was nothing new for me. Working as an investigative journalist and photographer for criminal section meant that I made a lot of enemies. And most of them had more than enough power to eliminate me with just a flick of their fingers. Of course, none of them had succeeded so far. Part of it was thanks to me being more and more careful; knowing that Asami was no longer watching my back after I'd left him changed me in more ways that I expected. But a huge part of it was because of the few radical articles and photos that I published recently, ones that successfully sent some corrupted elites and businessmen into jail.

Again, a part of my stubborn consciousness tried to ignore the obvious fact that those corrupted elites and businessmen were 'accidently' Asami's enemies. It wasn't like I picked my target or blackmailed them to do anything bad. I just avoided anything that was related to Asami. I was not ready to bring Asami down yet, not with my heart throbbing painfully every time I saw him in my viewfinder, longing for those arms to hold me together...Wait, scratch that. I couldn't possibly say that, could I? I was the one who left him. I didn't miss him whatsoever. I couldn't. Anyway, avoiding Asami meant that I needed to go to the opposite direction from Asami to find my target: to his enemies. Okay, I knew it was a sort of picking target and I was being a hypocrite and so on and so on. But that was beside the point here.

The point was: I was no longer that anonymous-photographer-who-nobody-knows-about; someone who could be killed and then being thrown away to Tokyo bay without anyone cared. I was Takaba Akihito, the fierce criminal investigative photographer who was respected by both national and international media and investigative organizations. It would be harder for my enemies to hurt me without raising suspicion. Surely they were not that stupid.

So, I was on my way to throw that stupid letter to the trash bin when Arata's serious face stopped me in my track.

"What?" I asked, confused. "Don't tell me you are taking this kind of letter seriously, Arata?"

My boyfriend's face frowned unpleasantly. Crossing his arms in front of his chest, Arata stared down at me as if I was suddenly talking in an alien language. He was taller by a few inches, and usually our height difference would give me a feeling of safety. But I hated it when he looked down while he was chastising me like I was a kid who didn't know his own limit.

"Akihito, this letter was sent to my parent's house!" He practically screamed at me. "Can you imagine how freak out they were when they called me this afternoon?!"

I swallowed. Well, truthfully, I forgot that normal people would have such reaction. My own parents had received this kind of letter quite regularly. But my father had been an investigative journalist himself when he was younger so my parents were more or less used to this by now. They understood the importance of what I was doing, fighting a fight for a better world with my photos and articles. In fact, they had been so accepting since the beginning of my career. Which was why I often forgot that other people might not react as calm and supportive as my parents had been.

And definitely not as dismissive as Asami had been, I added silently, remembering a few threat letters that somehow had managed to find its way to Asami's penthouse and had been thrown away directly to the trash bin without a second glance by Kirishima.

"Arata, trust me, it is not as bad as it seems-"

My boyfriend had cut me short, "Not as bad as it seems? Are you crazy, Akihito? Don't you care about my parents at all? Do you forget now that they are stressed out already by Mariko's debt? Do you forget about those debt collectors wanting to sell my nephew and nieces to get money from us? They don't need this additional burden! Hell, do you even care about anything other than your job, Akihito? Or do you just want to live in your own world without caring about how your job will hurt the people around you?!"

I opened my mouth to snap back but I couldn't find a word. The accusation stung more than I thought it would be. But what struck me the most was the fact that Arata asked a similar question with my own question to Asami right before our separation. I had screamed at Asami about exactly the same issue, had he cared that his way of life hurt me? Asami's face had paled, a sight that I had never seen before. The next day, he had agreed to let me go.

Was this what Asami had felt every time I had asked him to live a normal life? Did Asami also feel a kind of complete frustration because he didn't know how to make the person he cared about understood that this world was already a part of who he was?

"Please, Akihito," my boyfriend begged me with real concern in his eyes, taking my hands into his own and squeezing it carefully. "I am sure there are many other normal photography projects that don't involve this kind of danger. Why don't you try it? For me? For us?"

Normal. That was the magic word that stopped me from shouting and yelling and screaming all my frustration at him. Being normal was what I had ever wanted, wasn't it? So when the opportunity was presented right in front of my eyes, why did I feel like vomiting at the very idea of being normal?

No, it was the idea of being no one that scared me, I thought grimly. Who will I be without criminal photography?

Once again, that question brought my mind back to the one and only crime lord that I knew of. Had Asami also considered leaving his own violent and dangerous world every time I'd said that I wanted a normal life? Did he also have the same questions in his mind each time? Questions about who he would be without doing what he was 'passionate' in, even if it was a wicked passion?

But then Arata pulled me into his embrace, holding me tightly while hiding his face in the small space between my neck and shoulder. I could feel dampness there and I realized that Arata was crying. Instantly, my fury faded into guilt and instead of pushing him away as I intended to do, I hugged him back.

"Please, Akihito. Try it for us. Otherwise, I don't think we can keep this relationship. I definitely can't live like this. I love you. Really. It hurts me thinking that I may lose you for asking this from you. But this is not normal," he said quietly, sobbing and trembling slightly against my skin. "You can get hurt. Oh dear, you can get hurt. And I can't just watch you get hurt."

What else could I say? Wouldn't it mean that I was a hypocrite if I refused to do exactly the same thing I had asked from Asami long time ago?

Sighing my defeat, I nodded weakly. "Okay," I answered in a voice that sounded unsure even to my own ears. I took a deep breath and repeated in a much steady tone, "Okay. Shhh. Calm down now. Everything will be all right, Arata. I promise. I will quit working as a criminal photographer if that is what you want."

He looked up at me in disbelief. My poor boyfriend had believed that I wouldn't do that. That he doesn't worth more in my life than my job. That tonight, our relationship would be over as soon as it had begun. And it pained me that I made him feeling that way.

Had it pained Asami, too, to see me begging for him to give up his illegal businesses, knowing that he couldn't do that without losing who he was?

I caressed Arata's cheek lovingly, soothing him with an easy smile that I didn't feel in my heart. Truthfully, I couldn't imagine a life without criminal photography in it. I felt like a patient who were just told that the doctor had no other choice but to amputate both his arms and legs. My hundreds of emotions were spiraling wild by now and I didn't know which was more horrible, giving up my life for Arata or knowing that I did it with a sort of resentment in my heart. But I had to try this. For him.

Wait, no. For us. I corrected myself.

"Tomorrow, I will let my editor know. Then, it will be just you and me." I forced the word out of my mouth.

And for a long while, we stayed just like that, holding each other tightly while murmuring soft promises of our future together. Our normal future together.

Cradling the unconscious Mariko in his arms, Arata stares at nothing in particular. He had screamed for hours, pleading mercy until his voice became rasp and hoarse. But no one came into the dampened and dark storage. Now, his sister is burning with high fever, murmuring nonsense about her children, their parents, and all the good memories from their childhood when life was simple and evil was nothing but a part of children stories. And Arata doesn't know what to do.

He had believed in Emi's promise. That was why he did as she bid. He had helped Emi to get Akihito in the false hope that Emi would release them. He knows now that it was stupid. Emi not only refused to release them, but she also wanted to leave them in this godforsaken warehouse to rot to death. And when he complained, Goro beat him into a pulp.

A movement catches his eyes. It was Akihito, moving quietly from his best friend, Kou, to the guy called Takumi. It seems Arata is not the only one Emi has betrayed. Takumi cursed and called Emi so many rude names as Goro held the man down last night. But Emi merely dismissed the man's fury with a laugh.

"Are you okay?" Arata heard his boyfriend asking Takumi, who by now has curled into a ball, clutching his stomach in pain. "Did she hurt you much?"

Instead of answering Akihito's concern, Takumi bursts into a laughing fit. But the pain stopped Takumi quickly and he gasped for air with difficulties for a while. Takumi's voice dripped with sarcasm when he finally replied bitterly, "Like you care."

"Well, I thought it was obvious from my question that I do care. That crazy ugly man of hers kicked you in the stomach quite hard so she must hate you quite a lot as well. You know, as the saying goes, the enemy of my enemy is my ally," Akihito snarled back at the wounded man. "Now, don't be stubborn and let me see your stomach."

Without waiting for Takumi's permission, Akihito forces the man in front of him to comply with his request. Yanking Takumi's shirt up, Arata sees Akihito slowly pressing his palm on different places in Takumi's muscular chest and belly.

"What? Are you a doctor or something?" Takumi was obviously in too much pain to fight back.

Akihito snorted. Akihito's snort is a familiar voice that Arata misses so much. It sounds funny in a cute way and it always makes him smiling. Even now, sitting on this filthy concrete floor while carrying his dying sister, surrounded by tons of uncertainties, Arata can't help but smile.

"I am definitely no doctor. But I have done my share of fighting during my high school years to know how to assess the seriousness of an injury. Surprisingly, it turned out to be quite a useful skill as well for an investigative photographer. Those politicians, yakuzas, and shady businessmen always had a couple of bodyguards who were way too happy to make me their punching bag."

No one says another word for a long minute. Arata can't hear anything but Kou's pained breathing, his sister's incoherent mumbling and Takumi's whimpers whenever Akihito touches a purplish spot on his body.

"Investigative photographer? He..." Another whimper that quickly turns into a halted shout. "...he let you to do such a dangerous thing?"

In the beginning, Arata thought Takumi was asking about whether Arata gave Akihito permission to take such a dangerous career. But Akihito's immediate answer told him how wrong he was. Akihito and Takumi weren't talking about him.

Akihito practically yelled at Takumi, "No one let me to do or not to do anything! I do what I want and Ryu better deals with it!"

A surprise gasp. "...Ryu?" Takumi whispered softly.

"What? Don't tell me you don't know that his name is Asami Ryui-"

"I know his name. Everyone knows his name. But I have known no one who dares to call him by his given name."

Another one of that cute snort. But this time, Arata is no longer smiling.

This topic, how those who are rich and powerful are treated differently by the society, is one of Akihito's sensitive subjects. Because of the dimmed lighting, Arata can't really see Akihito's expression, moreover Takumi. But being with his boyfriend long enough, Arata knows that Akihito's face must be showing his disgust by now. Akihito always does that whenever he sees or hears something that doesn't make any sense to him.

"Everyone treats Ryu as if he is god. You know what? Surprise!" Akihito sounded cheerful before continued in a completely flat tone to mock, "He is not."

"Well, maybe to you, he isn't. To others, he is the god who decides whether they can live or not. If he is in their side, lucky for them. If he isn't, well, no one will want that," the injured man grumbled.

Akihito releases a long tired sigh. "I guess, we need to agree to disagree here. Things are what we want to see. Some people just refuse to see Ryu as anything else beyond his wealth and power."

"So, you found something beyond his wealth and power?" Takumi asked mockingly. "Like what? His crazy libido's level? His kinkiness for bed partner? His violent behavior? His unreasonable urge to control every damned person around him?"

There is an uncomfortable silence as Akihito steps back and stares at the wounded man in front of him.

"Somehow, you sounded as if you were trying hard to find excuses to hate him," Akihito calmly broke the tension.

Takumi growled through gritted teeth, "I JUST HATE HIM SO MUCH THAT I DON'T EVEN NEED AN EXCUSE ANYMORE! You don't know what he did to me! The only thing that makes me happy right now is the thought that, finally, Asami Ryuichi will lose something that is dear to him. I wish I could see his tears when it happened. Unfortunately, I can't. But it is okay. I will see you going to hell, knowing that it will give Asami Ryuichi so much pain. And it will be enough for me. I'll die with no regret."

Akihito merely shrugs. "Indeed, he can be such a jerk most of the times. That bastard has some serious problems with his twisted personality. I always told him that. Well, can't say I don't understand why you hate him so much. My start with him wasn't that smooth as well and at the moment, I want to kill him too. But there were times when he surprised me by showing his consideration to others. Just my 2 cents, though. You don't have to take it too seriously."

Takumi is apparently shock with the matter-of-fact reply because he doesn't comment on what Akihito said.

"Anyway, your injury is not that serious, but we still better bring you to the hospital soon. For now, stay here. I am going to check Arata and Mariko. Then, we can think of a way to get us out of here so we can punch that bastard together. Hang on there, okay?"

Considering their current condition, Akihito's optimistic attitude is unbelievable. Arata has long lost the hope that he can get out of this situation alive. But not Akihito. The young photographer walks steadily towards him before kneeling down to check his sister.

"Emi is going to kill us all," Arata quickly whispered in fear when Akihito was within earshot. "She said she is going to kill you first, Akihito. I am so sorry. I don't want to help her. But she threatened Mariko and I don-"

"Shh. It is okay. I understand your position. You have to protect your family and you have no other choice. And what she did to Mariko is totally unfair. But the bitch has to try really, really, hard to kill any of us now because I will stop her. I have faced scarier things in my life than a petite girl who is blinded by love," Akihito teased to lighten the mood. "Don't worry, we will find a way to escape, Arata."

Akihito's hazelnut eyes are blazing with determination. Arata has never seen his boyfriend as a criminal photographer before, preferring to stay away from Akihito's odd job choice. Now, looking at those fiery orbs, Arata can't help but wonders whether Akihito always has this passionate look whenever he captures his target through his viewfinder; a look that screams his resolution to do what is right, to save those he cares about and to defend those who can't defend themselves; a look that defiantly challenges everyone who dares to prevent him from doing so; a look that refuses to bow down to anyone and anything; a look that is completely unfamiliar to Arata. It is stunning, yet it looks foreign in his boyfriend's face.

Akihito that he knows is not like this. Akihito that he knows willingly resigned from his position as crime photographer, taking safer fashion magazine projects instead, just because Arata had been worried about Akihito's dangerous career choice. Akihito that he knows let him to lead their relationship, saying that the most important thing was Arata's dream and their future together. Akihito that he knows grumbled about his long working hours, about his demanding job, about going into his office parties, about having to socialize with what Akihito called the money-oriented-people-who-shopped-at-stores-named-after-people. You know, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, and whatever names I can't even remember, Akihito whined to him. But Akihito had never complained so strongly against doing what Arata wanted him to do. Instead, Akihito compromised a lot during their two years relationship, which was the main reason for their more or less stable relationship. So, observing how Akihito calmly takes charge of their situation now is a bit unsettling.

The whole things about keeping a collection of whores, pointing illegal guns at others, kidnapping people, not only beating them but also threatening to kill them, nothing is normal at all! How can Akihito be so calm knowing about all that?

Not for the first time in the last 24 hours, Arata questions himself whether he really knows his boyfriend. Watching the unwavering man who examines his sister's condition in front of him, Arata starts to feel unsure. Maybe, things are not as simple as how he sees it. Maybe, as Akihito said to Takumi, there are more beyond the visible things. And most probably, Arata had been too ignorant to be able to see it.

But it is way too late now to fix his mistake.

Part 2. A Vow To Keep Him Safe

Asami sat very still in the comfortable chair behind the wooden desk in his office room. It was almost early morning. The night was quiet and the entire building was mostly empty but for security guards and a bunch of cleaning services. And Kirishima.

His second hand man was standing in front of him with a completely stoic expression as if the secretary didn't have any opinion whatsoever about what was written in the report that Asami just read. But the crime lord knew better. Kirishima was anxious. They had known each other for more than a decade that Asami could easily recognized all the nervous sign his secretary tried to hide almost desperately.

Well, he knew he couldn't fool Kirishima by pretending that he wasn't affected by this latest report as well.

"There is nothing in this report explaining why Akihito decided to quit his job," he finally commented in an icy tone. It was clear that Kirishima would stay silent to avoid Asami's blackened mood as long as it was possible. Asami's day hadn't been exactly pleasing and many people had to face his wrath since he had stepped into his office today. This news definitely didn't make his mood any better.

"Our man reported that Takaba-sama didn't give clear explanation to the editor in chief, Asami-sama," Kirishima answered carefully. "Takaba-sama just said that he wanted to quit for a personal reason. However, rumors run wild that I believed what our man reported to me came more from gossips than from facts."

The answer was said way too carefully that Asami knew immediately his secretary was hiding something from him. Normally, he would feel amused that Kirishima still thought there was a way to hide anything from him. Surely, after all these years, Kirishima would know better. But today, Asami didn't feel entertained by this kind of foolishness at all. Instead, Kirishima's secretive attitude felt like a betrayal to him and it fueled Asami's anger.

The crime lord didn't shout or yell, though. Being loud or showing emotion was never his style. Removing all the remaining human expression from his own face, Asami simply replied, "And may I know whatever this 'personal reason' that Akihito gave to his editor, Kirishima, or do I have to beat the answer out of you?"

Asami's tone was flat, almost bored. And it was the only sign of Asami's thinning patience. The Adam's apple at the front of Kirishima's throat moved as the man swallowed anxiously to hide his fear. Kirishima didn't usually get intimidated. So, whatever the man was trying to hide from Asami was most likely very irritating.

"Well, Sir, please allow me to remind you that this is gossips and there is no-"

Asami's tone was sharp with warning when he cut Kirishima's rambling off, punctuating every word with harsh pause, "What. Did. Our man. Say. Kirishima?"

There was hesitation for a long moment before Kirishima finally resigned to his fate and answered, "Well, his colleagues seem to think that Takaba-sama is...umm, engaged. One of his colleagues at work, Mitarai, claimed to hear from Takaba-sama himself that Takaba-sama's 'fiance' doesn't like him to take such a dangerous career path. He said that the 'fiance' found a death letter or some kind of threat. Whatever it was, the 'fiance' freaked out and asked for Takaba-sama to either quit his job or cancel their wedding. Mitarai doesn't know that Takaba-sama's partner is a man, of course. That is why I believe it is just gossips. According to the law of Japan, two men still can't get marr -"

"I don't give a fuck about any laws or rules, Kirishima."

Another nervous swallow. "Of course, Sir. Please forgive my thoughtlessness," his trusted man bowed low.

A flood of relief filled Asami, though. He had thought of the worst when he read about Akihito's resignation. A serious injury or sickness that made Akihito unable to do his duty, perhaps. Something that Asami had no control over. Something that he could do nothing about. But it appeared to be nothing to worry about.

"So? That's all the reason behind Akihito's resignation? The dog asked my Akihito to quit poking at dangerous men because they wanted to get married or whatever and Akihito agreed to do so?"

Asami's tone was light now and his shoulders relaxed. Flipping the pages of the report, he scanned the details of what his man had reported, staring at the photos of the boy whom he treasured above all things. Well, almost all things. No, there was nothing mentioned about sickness or injury, thank God. His boy looked as healthy and vibrant as ever.

His secretary, in the other hand, didn't share his newfound relief. Kirishima looked at Asami with a complete confusion and a hint of worry in his face. Obviously, the secretary thought that Asami had missed the whole point from the report but felt unsure on how to breach the subject without raising Asami's fury.

"Umm, Sir, perhaps the report was not being clear enough. Please allow me to re-elaborate it. Based from what our man gathered so far, there are quite a strong evidences that Takaba-sama is planning to get married with-"

Kirishima waved his hands around in a silly gesture to symbolize marriage, trying his best to emphasize the word with his body language. Asami snorted in amusement at Kirishima and quickly, the snort turned into a burst of laugh.

"Sir?" Now, Kirishima's eyes were truly full with worry. Did Kirishima think he had lost his mind from a broken heart? Geez, his secretary could be so entertaining sometimes.

Still chuckling, Asami waved his hand to calm Kirihshima. It looked as if Kirishima would hysterically call his private doctor within seconds if Asami didn't placate his trusted man soon. Kirishima's mobile was inside his tight grip already, fingers ready to press the number, and those eyes behind Kirishima's glasses stared at Asami with such intensity as if looking for any particular sign of madness.

"Please, Kirishima, have a seat. You look like you are going into a panic attack if you stay standing. Calm down, there is nothing to worry about."

Uncertain of what else to do, Kirishima slowly sat in the chair in front of Asami. "Sir, our man said that he could pull some strings to push Takaba-sama to not resign from-"

"No, Kirishima. There is no need to do anything right now." His secretary stared at him in disbelief, so Asami explained lightly, "Apparently, that Takagi dog doesn't know my boy well. If someone wants to keep Akihito, he has to give the boy a very spacious room to move around. My Akihito can't live if he was restricted by so many rules. In fact, the more you tell him 'No', the more likely Akihito will do the exact thing that you don't want him to do. And that is what Takagi is doing: making rules for Akihito. Not stopping at that, he also takes the most important part in Akihito's life, his passion. My boy may bear with it for some time, believing that kind of normal life is what he wants. But he will grow restless soon."

Kirishima just stared at Asami with a dumbfounded expression in his face.

"But, if he is really getting married, Sir, it-"

"It doesn't matter, Kirishima. I don't care whether he is married or divorced or widowed or anything else. It is just a word in a piece of paper. He is mine. He knows it. He just doesn't want to admit it right now. Akihito is still confused after the Russian incident, which is understandable. He is tired with all the...excitement, so he wants something more...normal. But my Akihito is an adrenaline junkie by nature and soon he will crave for it. For now, let him play house with his dog and enjoy a quiet day. No harm there. Besides, this way, Akihito will be safer. He is more careful nowadays, although he has never been careful enough."

"Forgive me but I beg to differ, Asami-sama. Takaba-sama is as reckless as ever. I am sure my life had shortened tremendously cleaning up his messes," Kirishima grumbled. Asami wanted to laugh.

Akihito last investigation was a few months a go, sometime before his boy had started the relationship with that Takagi dog. The young photographer had investigated a foreign businessman who had imported black market products to Tokyo. Of course, the shady foreigner hadn't been happy having an investigative photographer at his doorstep, sneaking around to find proof of his illegal business. When Asami's man who followed Akihito had found out that the foreigner had threatened his boy, Asami'd sent Kirishima to settle the issue without Akihito knowing that Asami was still watching his back even after their separation. Poor Kirishima had spent near an hour explaining politely, then threatening softly, and finally screaming at the rude foreigner that if the man wanted to keep his business and life, he better stayed away from the young photographer. But having a strong support from a powerful Thailand mafia, the foreigner had refused and Asami had ended up killing the man, kicking the company out of Japan, and destroying their entire route. It was such a mess.

The memory reminded him of one thing that Kirishima had told him. "You mentioned something about a threat letter for Akihito. Do you manage to find out from whom it is this time?"

Nodding, Kirishima answered, "It is from Watanabe-san's underling."

Ah, Watanabe Nari, a Diet member who had made a few dealings with the yakuza group. Watanabe had supported laws that gave more room to organized crime activities, no doubt receiving many incentives in return. His Akihito played with a very dangerous man, indeed. It was not only Watanabe Nari that would try to kill his boy, but also the yakuza group behind the old man.

Asami sighed. Well, it didn't matter. Watanabe Nari was nothing against him. Since Akihito left, Asami had strengthened his power with sweat, tears, and blood. Literally. Most of the tears and blood had belonged to his enemies and rivals, though. As a result, not many in the world could go against him without suffering at least a huge loss on their side. And it was all for his Akihito, to allow Akihito to return to his side without any worry of being hurt anymore.

"Give Watanabe-san a polite call and warn him not to hurt my Akihito in any way. A man like him will know better than making me his enemy. As compensation, offer him our assistance to clean up his mess. He can rest assured that his dealings won't leak into public. Akihito might have resigned, but his colleagues can continue what he left behind. Just make sure they can't find anything that will lead them to the wrong place."

Kirishima bowed dutifully.

"Ah, and give Kaga-san from Nakamura-kai a visit. He can take care of the yakuzas."

"Please consider it done, Asami-sama."

As Kirishima retreated from his office, Asami thought back about his younger lover. Now that Akihito had quitted his career in criminal, it wouldn't be long until Akihito realized that a normal boring life wouldn't fit him. Asami needed to speed up his plan to secure Akihito's future with him, making sure that Akihito would always be completely safe.

There will be no repeat of the Russian incident. I will become stronger than the gods if I have to and no one will dare to take Akihito away from me anymore. He is mine and I will keep him safe, protected, and well.

Closing his eyes in satisfaction, Asami made the vow with nothing but the night as its witness.

When Asami finally arrives, Kirishima has made a mess out of the beautiful Emi. Blood, sweat, and a layer of filth cover her creamy skin that he loves so much since it reminds him of Akihito's silky skin. The left side of her hazelnut eyes is now closed from swelling. Asami could see a few broken fingers and various burnt parts on her body. But the girl still sits regally as if she is a queen in her own throne. It is quite impressive actually.

Asami doesn't have time nor patience to feel impressed at the moment, though. He had trusted Kirishima to question Emi so he can look for Takumi. But the other boy is nowhere to be found. His apartment is empty. His friends, or those that Takumi considered as friend before, don't know anything. And the owner of the art shop to where Takumi frequently goes hasn't seen the boy for almost a week. Which is weird for Takumi. After sending the most of his allowance to his family, Takumi always spends what little left of it to buy brushes or oil paints or canvas or other art things. He comes to the shop almost every day as if it is a grocery shop.

Takumi's guard said that the boy left the night when Akihito was gone, saying that he wanted to buy a few new brushes for his latest painting. Takumi is a quiet one, never causes any problem and prefers to stay inside, so his guard didn't think much when he received a message later informing that Takumi met a friend and would stay the night at his friend's place.

So, Takumi was gone along with Akihito. Whatever happened, it is clear that something is definitely wrong. Asami's instinct told him that Emi is the source of all these problems, however he doesn't know how the girl could force both Akihito and Takumi to leave, even with Goro's help. Takumi is muscular and tall, not as big as Goro, but it still will not be easy for Goro to subdue the boy. And it would take more than physical force to control Akihito. But Akihito brought Nao. Did Emi force his boy to do what she wanted by threatening Nao?

And there is still Takagi Arata involved. What was the dog doing in all this mess? If it was all Emi's doing, how could Takagi be captured in the CCTV with Akihito? Was this revenge? Did Takagi find out about Akihito's betrayal and hurting Akihito to spite him?

The thought of Akihito getting hurt sends a sharp pang of anger in Asami. He had made a promise to keep the boy safe. But look at what happened. Akihito was gone the moment Asami thought that he had done everything possible to keep his boy safe.

Obviously, 'everything' is not enough when Akihito is involved, he thought grimly.

Noticing his entrance, Emi turned to look at him. Even with bruised and swollen face, she smiles when she sees Asami. Ignoring her, Asami removes his suit jacket and pulls his sleeves up.

"Asami-sama," Kirishima and the few men in the room bowed at him.

The crime lord doesn't waste any time to answer the greeting. Instead, he asked while walking towards Emi and Kirishima, "Did she say anything?"

Kirishima looks to be ashamed as he scowls at Emi. "No, Sir. She keeps silent no matter how much pain I gave her."

Asami merely nods at the girl. "You are a strong one, Emi. I will give you that."

"Asami," Emi called him with an intense longing in her hazelnut eyes and complete adoration in her voice. "You are here."

Kirishima opens his mouth, most probably to correct the girl that it should be Asami-sama to her, but Asami doesn't care about such a trivial thing right now. So, he asked before his secretary could get the first word out, "Where are they, Emi?"

Raising her eyebrow, Emi tilts her head in confusion, "They?"

"Akihito, Nao, and Takumi. Where are they?"

There was a momentary surprise in Emi's face before it turned into anger. Struggling to break free from her restrain, Emi screamed in fury, "Takumi?! Why do you even care about him?!"

Asami notices the perplexed expression in Kirishima's face. Judging from his secretary's reaction, this must be the first time the girl showing any emotion since the interrogation has started. It is something that Asami can use.

"Oh? Should I not care about him?"

He takes his cigarettes box out. Putting one in his mouth, Asami let Kirishima lighting it for him.

"You didn't care about him before!"

Taking a deep breath of the addicting smoke, he asked calmly, "Did I not?"

"Yes, you didn't! You visited him the least among us all! You didn't even bring him to public anymore! It is just about time until you dump him like the others!"

Standing silently in front of the chained girl, Asami observes his prey. His golden eyes are cold and his face is void from all expression. It is such an extreme contrast from his casual and amused voice. Kirishima, knowing that it is a sign of Asami's total anger, unconsciously takes a step away from his boss.

"'Like the others'?" Asami asked lightly, chuckling. "How do you know about what I did to 'the others'? How do you know how many times I visited Takumi or how often I brought him to public events?"

Realizing her mistake, Emi stills.

"But, you are right. I rarely visited him or bought him to public events. Yet, I kept him for more than two years. How long has it been since you came to my service? Two years?"

Asami purposely glances at Kirishima for answer. Taking his cue, the secretary readily answered, "One year and seven months, Sir."

"Hmm, not even two years. And yet, here you are, just a moment away from your contract being terminated."

Tears started to fall on the once pretty cheeks. The girl looks so similar like Akihito, even with all the bruises, that Asami has to remind himself: this is not Akihito crying in front of him.

"Contract? Is that all our relationship is about for you, Asami? I gave you sons! I brought you pleasures! I did everything for you!"

Exhaling the white smoke from his lungs, Asami answered evenly, "This is just business, Emi. You give me services and I pay for it. Cars, apartments, jewelries, clothes, generous monthly allowance enough to feed some villages in third world countries, oh even those cosmetic surgeries that you wanted. Don't tell me you don't get anything out of our contract."

She laughs then. Emi doesn't even bother to pretend to stay innocent anymore. "But Akihito is different, of course. How about Takumi then? Is he different, too?"

Hazel meets gold as they stare at each other.

"Takumi is nothing for you to be concerned about. Now, tell me where they are and I will make this quick and painless for you."

A satisfied smile appears in Emi's face. Asami doesn't like that smile. It turns his blood cold and sends his heart racing even though in the outside, he looks as calm as ever.

Wherever you are, hold on, Akihito. Please.

Emi's reply, however, sunk him in despair.

"It is too late, Asami. By now, Goro must have brought your golden boy to the place where his next owner will pick him up. I don't know the real identity of the owner or to where he will bring Akihito. We did our dealing anonymously. But I know one thing for sure: the last thing Akihito will see in Japan is the baby boy being killed right in front of his eyes. And that will be how your Akihito is going to remember your failure to keep him safe until the day he dies!"

He knows Emi doesn't know anything about his vow to keep Akihito safe. But her sarcastic retort unexpectedly finds the truth and the reminder of his failure pained him greatly. But what hurt him the most is the idea of Akihito being in pain, emotionally and physically. Again. He sees red all over and before he can control his emotion, his hand lashes out to strangle the girl. Emi chokes by the strength of his grip alone.

"Where. Did. You. Left. Them?!" He howled, punctuating every word with a banging of Emi's head into the back of the chair.

He doesn't realize Kirishima's hand on his right shoulder until his secretary said evenly, "Sir, she can't answer if you hold her throat like that."

It takes a few long seconds and some deep breathing before he can release his deadly grip on the girl's neck. Even after that, his fingers still tremble slightly in anger.

While wincing in pain, Emi smiles at him eerily as she gives him the address of where she keeps Akihito, Nao and Takumi.

"Maybe...," she coughs to clear her burning throat, "...you can still find Takumi there. If Goro hasn't fuck him to death before he left with your boy and my baby. But you hate it when someone touches your...things, don't you? And after Goro tainted Takumi, I doubt you will want to keep him around. So, what are you going to do, Asami? Kill me? Akihito is somewhere you can't find and Takumi is dirty by now. I am the only one left. I love you with all my heart. I won't betray you. I will do anything for you. Can't you see it? I know this is all a test, Asami. A test to find the suitable partner for you. But have I not proved enough? I have passed everything with strength, grace and dignity. I have eliminated the others. I am the most appropriate partner for you, my love and my king and my god."

Kirishima is staring blatantly at Emi in shock by now. Obviously, the girl is sick and twisted. But in his anger, Asami doesn't even have any pity for her.

"King and god?" he asked with disgust shining in his golden eyes, though Emi was definitely oblivious of that fact. "Then what are you? The queen?"

Hope rises in Emi's eyes as she nods furiously.

Smiling back at her, Asami continued icily, "You think so highly of yourself, don't you, Emi? Then let me show you your place." Turning into Kirishima, he quickly ordered, "Sell her to a lowly brothel. Tell the owner that I want her to serve the lowest of men. There is no need to treat her nicely. Make sure she doesn't run away and keep her alive. For if Akihito and Nao are hurt in any way, I will come back to her and she will wish to be nothing but a whore rather than facing my wrath."

And with that threat, Asami left to find Akihito and their son. Little did he know that when he finally meets his lover an hour later, nothing would ever be the same. And for that, Asami will blame his failure to protect his Akihito for years to come.